Watch / Gallery: Airdrie flips the switch on holiday season

With the flip of a rather large switch, Airdrie's Festival of Lights came to life as the decorations across Nose Creek Park all became illuminated on Friday evening.

The FortisAlberta Light Up ceremony was attended by many eager Airdrie residents, the city's Mayor, Peter Brown, alongside council members, Ron Chapman, Darrell Belyk, and Heather Spearman as well as members Airdrie Festival of Lights Society.

The Airdrie Festival of Lights welcomed the holiday season on December 1. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

Along with the Christmas light displays that warmed the chilly Friday evening, the city's firefighters were on hand to hand out candy canes - reviving the old tradition of the candy cane run with a modern twist.

The Airdrie Festival of lights, which is free of admission is Western Canada’s largest outdoor walk-through Christmas Light Display and will run until New Year's Eve. Each night the lights display is open from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m.

The Festival of Lights welcomed eager residents to its official kick-off on Friday evening. (Photo by Anna Ferensowicz)

With the city now glowing bright, there are plenty events to follow. On Saturday, December 2, The Santa Claus Parade hosted by Airdrie Parades starts at 5 p.m. on Main Street. The Santa Claus Parade is a free family-friendly event.

According to the City of Airdrie, road closures will start at Veteran’s Boulevard and end at Ridgegate Way from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

"The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Urgent Care Centre at 604 Main St. SE will remain open during this time. Road closure barricades will be manned by Emergency Responders to escort individuals to Airdrie’s Urgent Care Centre."

Those who may want to enjoy a hot chocolate during the Santa Claus Parade can do so here:

Outside the Airdrie Public Library
Outside Discover Airdrie; at the corner of Main Street and Centre Avenue
Outside HairBenders Salon; at the corner of Main Street and 2 Avenue

On Sunday, December 3, the 5th annual charity hockey game between Airdrie's firefighters and local RCMP will take place at the Ron Ebbesen Arena. Puck drop is at 2:00 p.m. running until 4:15. Entry is by donation to the Airdrie 1st Club Christmas Hamper program. Those who cannot attend the game can still donate. Donation boxes (red - naturally) are now set up in three fire halls across the city, with another blue donation box at the Airdrie RCMP detachment.

Next week, on, Friday, December 8, The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC - formerly known as Canadian Pacific) holiday train is coming to Airdrie and the surrounding areas this holiday season.

According to the 2023 schedule, the holiday train will stop in Airdrie on Friday, December 8. The arrival time is 5:15 p.m., while the event will start at 5:45 p.m. and will run till 6 p.m. It will stop at Nose Creek Park (1641 Main Street) and this year's performers are the Canadian Band, Anyway Gang.

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